Arnold survives primary, on to fall race in state Senate

Several area incumbents currently unopposed in fall.

Several area incumbents currently unopposed in fall.

May 08, 2008|JAMIE LOO Tribune Staff Writer

Incumbent Jim Arnold won the Democratic primary for the Senate District 8 seat, which covers both LaPorte and St. Joseph counties. The Democratic senator won with 59 percent of the vote, with challengers Debra Birkholz garnering 34 percent and Maxine Spenner 7 percent. Results for LaPorte County rolled in late Tuesday evening because some of the polling places closed late. "I'm feeling grateful and enthusiastic about the support I've received from the people," Arnold said Wednesday. Arnold replaced the late Sen. Anita Bowser last year. The senator said this vote is a "direct reflection" of the work he has done so far and is grateful that the people of the 8th District want him to continue serving them. He said the only promise he has made to constituents is that he will do his best, which he says he has and will continue to do. He said he will continue to work across party lines "and won't let politics interfere with what's best for this district" and the state. "It appears to me that the people are satisfied with what they have and I wish us all the best," Spenner said. Messages left for Birkholz on her home and cell phones were not returned Wednesday. Arnold will face Republican Allen L. Stevens Jr. in the general election. Other contested races in the general election include House District 8 with incumbent Ryan Dvorak facing Republican Dale DeVon, who is a St. Joseph County Council member. House District 17 Rep. Nancy Dembowski won in the Democratic primary on Tuesday and will face Republican Mark MacKillop in November. Plymouth Democrat Larry Balmer will challenge Republican Ed Charbonneau for the Senate District 5 seat. Democrat Fred Demske is running against incumbent Republican Sen. Robert Meeks in District 13. In Elkhart County, Democrat Don Metzler-Smith will face Republican Carlin J. Yoder in the general election for the Senate District 12 seat. Both won primaries on Tuesday. The seat is wide open with the retirement of Goshen Sen. Marvin Riegsecker, who has served the district for 20 years. Several local incumbents currently have no opponents in the fall; however, county party chairs can appoint people to run in those vacancies. Unopposed candidates in the House include Democrats, B. Patrick Bauer, District 6; Craig Fry, District 5, and Scott Pelath, District 9; and Republicans, Jackie Walorski, District 21; Tom Dermody, District 20; and William Friend, District 23. Incumbent House District 7 Rep. David Niezgodski won the Democratic primary on Tuesday and doesn't have an opponent in the fall election. Sen. John Broden, a District 10 Democrat, and Republican District 9 Sen. Ryan Mishler, are also unopposed in their races. Staff writer Jamie Loo: jloo@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6337